I Don't Think His God Is Too Happy With Him
The Rev. Ted Haggard resigned from his influential post as president of the National Association of Evangelicals yesterday. Before we look into why, let's look into the association.
The mission of the NAE, as quoted from their website is as follows:
The mission of the National Association of Evangelicals is to extend the kingdom of God through a fellowship of member denominations, churches, organizations, and individuals, demonstrating the unity of the body of Christ by standing for biblical truth, speaking with a representative voice, and serving the evangelical community through united action, cooperative ministry, and strategic planning.
Harmless enough... sort of.
The first page of the website is a letter from the former president, calling for unity and a show of power and influence. "The NAE is composed of sixty member denominations representing 45,000 churches across America; our numbers generate influence and power, our diversity creates integrity and strength, and our unity produces effective value for the Body of Christ. Together we can accomplish more than we could ever achieve on our own. And now is the time to prove it."
So, basically, this is a powerful lobby organization that uses the face of Christianity for political influence. And it works.
In the CNN article that discusses the resignation, Haggard was named to Time magazine's list of 25 most influential evangelical leaders. He would weekly speak with the White House -- yes, that White House. I'd say the NAE, and Haggard, are quite powerful.
Yet here's the thing: Rev. Haggard is resigning amidst allegations he was in a three year gay sex relationship with a male prostitute. This is a man who has come out full against gay marriage, calling for a ban of it in places such as Colorado.
According to his own religion, he committed sin by:
The mission of the NAE, as quoted from their website is as follows:
The mission of the National Association of Evangelicals is to extend the kingdom of God through a fellowship of member denominations, churches, organizations, and individuals, demonstrating the unity of the body of Christ by standing for biblical truth, speaking with a representative voice, and serving the evangelical community through united action, cooperative ministry, and strategic planning.
Harmless enough... sort of.
The first page of the website is a letter from the former president, calling for unity and a show of power and influence. "The NAE is composed of sixty member denominations representing 45,000 churches across America; our numbers generate influence and power, our diversity creates integrity and strength, and our unity produces effective value for the Body of Christ. Together we can accomplish more than we could ever achieve on our own. And now is the time to prove it."
So, basically, this is a powerful lobby organization that uses the face of Christianity for political influence. And it works.
In the CNN article that discusses the resignation, Haggard was named to Time magazine's list of 25 most influential evangelical leaders. He would weekly speak with the White House -- yes, that White House. I'd say the NAE, and Haggard, are quite powerful.
Yet here's the thing: Rev. Haggard is resigning amidst allegations he was in a three year gay sex relationship with a male prostitute. This is a man who has come out full against gay marriage, calling for a ban of it in places such as Colorado.
According to his own religion, he committed sin by:
- engaging in homosexual acts
- participating in prostitution
- lying
- (possibly) using illegal drugs
This, America, is the representation of one of the most powerful organizations in our nation. This is the man who has the ear of our president. This is the man who exerts political force to affect our country's policies.
Remember this when you are heading to the polls on Tuesday and you must decide who you want representing you in government. Do you want someone who is influenced by such a man?
posted by E-Luv at 9:00 AM
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